According to the Federal Trade Commission, Google has agreed to change its business practice to resolve concerns regarding practices that stifle competition. The settlement states that Google would give competitors “access – on fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory terms – to patents on critical standardized technologies needed to make popular devices such as smart phones, laptop and tablet computers, and gaming consoles.”

“The changes Google has agreed to make will ensure that consumers continue to reap the benefits of competition in the online marketplace and in the market for innovative wireless devices they enjoy,” said FTC Chairman Jon Leibowitz. “This was an incredibly thorough and careful investigation by the Commission, and the outcome is a strong and enforceable set of agreements.”

“We are especially glad to see that Google will live up to its commitments to license its standard-essential patents, which will ensure that companies willing to license these patents can compete in the market for wireless devices,” Leibowitz added. “This decision strengthens the standard-setting process that is at the heart of innovation in today’s technology markets.”

Facebook launches voice for iOS and Android apps

Facebook continues to make their Messenger app more mobile friendly as they’ve added voice messages to its features. The Messenger app for iOS and Android has now been fitted with a Record toggle that would allow users to record a voice message which they can send to their contacts. If you’re not satisfied with the message you’ve recorded, you can start over by deleting the message and making a new one.

Facebook is not stopping there, as they are said to be starting beta testing of a VoIP call feature for the Messenger app. This brings Facebook closer to competing with the likes of Skype, now a Microsoft property, though the two companies are rather cozy.

Nokia plans aluminum body for next Lumia phones

We can expect more Lumia phones to be released by Nokia this year, but what would make them different from their predecessors is an aluminum casing. Nokia is said to be planning on releasing two new devices, one dubbed “Catwalk,” and would feature the said aluminum body instead of the traditional polycarbonate body to make it thinner and lighter.

Gorilla Glass 3 tougher and stronger

Corning has announced that it will be showing off the Gorilla Glass 3 at CES 2013 next week. The Corning Gorilla Glass 3 is said to be three times more scratch resistant because its molecular level has been incorporated with a proprietary feature called Native Damage Resistance (NDR). Aside from their revolutionary glass that’s been a staple to some of the most popular devices on today’s market, they would also be showcasing Optical Cables that significantly extend the data transmission range past the limits of copper-based cables. More details will be revealed at next week’s event.

“These new innovations build on the increasingly important and continually evolving role of highly engineered glass technologies in delivering improved product performance and functionality through touch capabilities, protective cover glass, and device connectivity,” saidWendell P. Weeks, chairman, chief executive officer, and president of Corning.